London Scottish’s pursuit of a top four finish in next season’s Greene King IPA Championship has received a huge boost this week after South African Errie Claassens joined from Bristol Rugby on a two-year deal.
The 32-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience having enjoyed a successful spell in the Premiership at Worcester Warriors and at the higher reaches of the Championship during a two-year stint at London Welsh.
Claassens, the brother of Springbok international scrum-half Michael, represented Free State at age group level before going on to play for the Cheetahs in the Vodacom Cup and Griquas Rugby in the Currie Cup.
He moved to the UK nine-years ago and during this time the utility back has built up a reputation for being a top-class finisher whether deployed at full-back or on the wing.
His time at Bristol Rugby last season was blighted by a knee injury but now he’s fully fit and determined to impress at London Scottish.
“I am excited at what the next two years has in store for me,” Claassens said this week.
“I know Mark Irish and Neil Best and speaking to these guys there seems to be a real positive vibe at the Club.
“The results were good last year, especially at home and with about three games to go London Scottish were still in the running for the play-offs.
“I am aware of the Club’s ambitions and where they want to be.
“To be part of that over the course of the next two seasons will be great.”
The English-qualified back added: “I met my wife in London and she loves the city so when I told her of London Scottish’s interest, she was as excited as I was.
“It’s a new chapter and I feel really fortunate to be getting this opportunity.”
London Scottish Head Coach James Buckland said: “Errie is a class player who has played at the top level and it’s great we have managed to bring him on board.
“We talk a lot about recruiting the right kind of personality and Errie certainly fits that mould.
“He is a good, honest guy, still ambitious and the younger lads in the squad will learn a lot from him.
“Errie has a point to prove and will provide us with an excellent option in the back three.”
